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"Good protection"

"Comfortable "

Disadvantages

Very good for an own brand product

*Warning* This review is about tampons! If you are a gentleman of delicate sensibilities please look away now. There will be some words which you might not cope well with, such as "period", "flow" and "absorbency"...

This is one of a few brands I use. I will admit that I am usually a Tampax user, but the Boots tampons definitely come at the top of the own brand tampons for me. The things I look for in sanitary protection are comfort, security (being able to rely on the protection) and ease of use.

In comfort and protection, Boots tampons more or less live up to the branded ones. However, I find them rather more difficult to insert than some others, which I think is due to the grip and the base of the applicator not having such a good grip. Therefore I would not recommend them to a first time tampon user, but this is really my only complaint about them.

The range of different absorbencies is pretty good in the Boots range, but they do not have as many different varieties, such as the Tampax compak and so on.

In terms of value for money, they are very good, as aside from the small issue of ease of application, they live up to the standards of the more expensive brands. Overall this means that if I don''t manage to stock up when branded ones are on offer, then these are the ones I buy.

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A cheap alternative to branded tampons

For many years I always used Tampax and then Lil-lets and then, about 3 years ago, I discovered Boots own tampons and have been using them ever since. In my experience they are really no different from the branded products in terms of effectiveness but they are considerably cheaper.

About the product

For as long as I can remember these always came in a dark blue cardboard box with a large flower on and a stripe across the box, the colour of which was determined by which absorbency it was. However I think Boots may be updating their packaging as when I purchased some of these recently they were in a light blue box with a few flower shapes decorating the front and then a block of the colour with the number of tampons and the absorbency shown.

These tampons are available in 5 different absorbencies - mini, regular, super, super plus, and super plus extra. Each absorbency has a different colour strip on the package - for regular, which I use, the colour is yellow - making it easy to see which one you require. The packs are available in 16's and 32's. As far as I am aware Boots do not offer a mixed pack of different absorbencies which is not a problem for me personally as I always use regular but may be for some women.

The tampons themselves are non-applicator and come wrapped in a clear plastic. They feature what Boots calls 'the easy twist and pull opening system' and it is very easy - as the phrase suggests you just need to twist the top and bottom of the perforation in opposite directions (there are yellow arrows indicating where the perforation is) which breaks the plastic and then it can be removed.

There is a pale blue cord at the end of the tampon which you just need to pull out a bit as it has been squashed up in the packaging. The tampon itself is ridged and has a rounded tip which is designed for easy insertion.

Inside the packet you will find a small instruction leaflet which offers not only instructional advice but also advises about choosing the correct tampon, information about disposal and, very importantly, information about Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).

My thoughts

I have always been very happy with this product and would highly recommend it. I have been told about some cheap brands of tampons which fall apart on removal but I have never experienced that with these. Currently Boots are selling these at £0.99p for a pack of 16 and £1.69 for a pack of 32 which I think it very good value compared to the named brands - Lil-lets are currently £2.29 and £3.65 respectively. Also, at the moment Boots are selling 2 packs of 16 for £1.50 so you can save another £0.19 buying that way and of course you get your advantage points!

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A really good, trustworthy, intimate buy

For as long as I can remember I have been an avid wearer of tampons for that 'time of the month'. Men you can log off now I know this sort of stuff makes you go yak but women out there may be interested in a lot cheaper than alot of branded alternatives tampons that are Boots own costing only 99p, which is what this review is about!

The Packaging:

Well to be clear I am reviewing the regular tampons from the Boots tampon range. They come in a light blue carboard box which flips open to the front of it and on the top of it we are told that they are Boots Tampons 'Twist and pull opening system' and that there are 16 of them inside the box, we are told that they are regular, there is a small picture of a tampon on there and a floral pattern. Other information listed on the box includes being told about what tampon to use for the flow of period you have (these are for light to medium flow by the way), we are told a bit about the product, warnings are listed and then inside the box there is leaflet. Again warnings are given and we are told and shown how to use them and contact details for Boots are given. Nice enough, flip open box this is and once opened it does close again easily and its not a huge box because these have no applicators to them.

The Tampons:

Each tampon comes in a clear plastic film with yellow arrows on it and you simply twist it with two hands in opposite directions and it comes off very easily indeed. I'm not very good at measurements I have to admit and would guess these are about two inches long and they have ridges down the side of them and a light blue thread/string though them, of course to pull them out. They are pure white in colour and round tipped and looked made of cotton wool though are soft and smooth of course.

Application is easy and simple due to the rounded tip and I have no problem inserting them at all and once in they feel really comfortable so much so I can forget theres one there! I use one for about 4 hours easily, they expand inside of you whilst up soaking up all bloody residue and I trust the thread/string to not snap when pulling it out and of course once used you can't flush them you need to dispose of them in a bin.

These are great quality little tampons and its all about the quality, not the packaging with these. The packaging isn't brilliant but being a Boots branded product I trust them and have never had one single issue with them at all. Just cos I change mine every 4 or so hours doesn't mean you have to and there are other absorbencies depending on flow of course within the range, I just feel that these are just right for me.

I think these are a bargain buy and have no hesitation in buying them time and time again in the future!

Only available from Boots stores.

This review is also posted on Ciao under this same username.

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A good quality cheaper alternative that I found just as good as a named brand.

I only recently started using Boots own brand tampons, it was a bit of a spur of the moment decision and I was rather cranky at the time because 1. I was about to leave to go on holiday and I have yet to this day met a woman who wants to have her monthly while on holiday and 2. I was tired of paying quite a bit more for a well named brand (naming no names but they know who they are!). So stood in Boots in the feminine hygiene aisle baby on one side slightly harassed looking husband on the other I went for it! And I have to say I'm very glad I did.I have tried the non applicator super and super plus and have found both to be excellent quality, just as good as the leading brand. The box and wrapping were easy to get into and the tampons themselves were comfortable. I had no accident/mishaps/leakages even when travelling all the way to Turkey. I'm very active as I have a young child who I spend a lot of time running around after and again have never had any problems with them.I would and have recommended them to other people.

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Great value for money

It was only recently that I used tampons for the first time. I usually use pads as it seems easier and in all honesty I was a little scared of trying tampons. However I was led to try tampons because I had one day to use a free day pass for a posh gym near to my house, and unfortunately my only chance to use it was when I was on my period. I wanted to get the most I could out of my day, including using the lovely swimming pool and sauna, so I decided to brave trying out tampons.

I'm a bit of a cheapskate so I went for the Boots brand as it was only £1.09 for a pack of 12. There are several variations of Boots tampons, including applicator and non-applicator ones. The smallest box you can get contains 12 tampons, and the largest contains 32 and costs just £2.09. They also come in four different absorbences: Lite, regular, super and super plus. Having no knowledge of tampons and being in a bit of a rush, I went for the super absorbent ones, assuming they would be better than regular. I also decided to go for the applicator tampons.

When I got home I tried one out so I knew if i'd be able to use a tampon and swim the following day. The instructions are very easy to follow and I found it fairly easy to get the tampon in place. It did it's job well and there was no blood leaking out. However I did notice on the instructions that it said you should not buy tampons of a higher absorbancy than you need, which is a useful piece of advice for anyone who has not used them before. Without going into too much detail, I had some trouble removing the tampon because i'd picked the wrong absorbancy, and this was after about 5 hours of having it in. You can leave them in for up to eight hours but I wanted to go to bed so had to remove it. However, I did get it out eventually, and decided that the solution was to buy some less absorbent tampons on the way to the gym the next day. So I went for 'lites' which are for when the flow is very light, and again I selected Boots brand.

I found the lite ones easier to put in and they still worked just as well. They are comfortable when in place, as you can't feel anything, and they are easy to remove.

I have since continued to use these tampons and don't have any complaints about them. I have also used tampax tampons since then, which are more expensive but pretty much the same.

Therefore, I conclude that Boots tampons are great when you get the right ones. I would definitely recommend them as they are great value for money and it isn't really worth spending more on the more expensive brands.

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These days I look forward to my period. Ok, too much...but buy these. They're great

I resent having to throw money down the toilet, as it were, every month, (and so the imagery begins). And let's not beat about the bush (...) tampons are expensive. For me, sanitary towels are useless, except as an added extra at night, because I have heavy periods. I can't quite do the whole 'Moon Cup' thing yet - I just can't - it's icky, although one day no doubt it's what all women will use and all other products will become a thing of the past. And so tampons are the only option. And very useful they are, too, but sooo expensive.

I don't have the problem with non-applicator tampons that many women seem to have, (many women seem to hate having to insert the tampon without a foot long applicator to keep finger as far away from *it* as possible!) I actually prefer non-app tamps, as I've just found myself calling them for the first time ever, because they take up less space in your bag/pocket/hand and can be more easily disguised if you need to move from seat to loo in a hurry, as opposed to the applicator 'I'm just taking this huge magic wand to the toilet' problem. Plus they are easily disposed of in the loo after use, and I don't have to worry about bits of cardboard and what to do with them. (Tracey Island? It's a thought)

So, non-applicators it is, plus they have to be good to withstand the barrage that is my monthly 'blob' (beautiful, I know)

Previously I had always used Lil-lets and they are excellent. They do that opening widthways not lengthways things which for me is essential. Why would I want a tampon to get longer? I want it to catch the blood not provide it with 2 long thin escape routes either side of the tampon. Anyway...so Lil-lets: Very good. Very expensive.

Enter Boots own brand tampons. Compare and contrast the price:

Lil-lets 32 Super £3.64Boots 32 Super £2.09

Someone will do the percentage thing but that's, in mathematical terms, what we call 'quite a big saving'. Often they're on offer and so even cheaper, especially if you bulk buy.

Compare and contrast the quality

*They are the same*

And that's the really good bit. Cheaper and just as good. I've tried various other own brands in the past and the only other tampons that have come close to being as good as Lil-lets/ Boots were the German brand OBs which you can't really get in the UK I don't think.

Conclusion?

Ladies, you should buy Boots own brand non-applicator tampons and Lil-lets can shove that up their...etc

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Save a few pennies with own brand products.

Well this is a review for the women out there who like a good bargain especially when it comes to "feminine products" .

As I am looking to save pennies whereever possible I have got into a bad habit of bulk buying toiletries. I do prefer to use boots own brands whereever possible as they are usually on BOGOF or 2 for the price of 1 so on a recent shopping spree it was time to stock up on some sanitary protection.I don't know why but I nearly always opt for Tampax when it comes to buying tampons and boots do normally have 2 for £3 on 16 packs so I have had no reason to look at other brands up until today.

The shelf was empty for the regular tampons so if I wanted Tampax if was Super only, this was no use so I had a look for other items that were similar for the same price range.

Boots own brand were on 3 for 2 so I decided I would get a stock whilst they were on offer and went for 3 packs.I opted for Boots Applicator Tampons Lites a 12 pack was 99p and two boxes of the compact regular tampons which were £1.76 for 16 so I was within budget!!

But would they be any good??

For any woman that has ever purchased tampons comfort is essential as well as the ease of application.

Boots states that they had been specifically designed to provide you with effective protection, comfort and discretion something that was also promised with Tampax Compak.

The box is a royal blue with the pattern of a flower to the front of the box.

They are all colour coded according to flow level.

Purple is for light flowYellow is for light to medium flowGreen is for medium to heavy flow

The same colour scheme also used by Tampax so it would not be confusing if you are, like me used to another brand.

I got the box home and each tampon is individually wrapped in a pastel wrapper which is fairly noisy, similar to a sweet wrapper. There is a open this end with arrows to the side of the packaging to ensure that you open the correct end.

The tampon has a smooth plastic applicaor with a rounded tip for easy insertation. I know I keep comparing them to Tampax but outside of the packaging the product was identical.

The tampon expands lengthways to fit your bodyshape and to offer full protection and security, and I cannot fault them, previously when I have used other own brand tampons I have had the occasionally leakage problem.

I am now converted to own brands after paying over the odds for a good few years and am next hoping to try out Asda's own brand as they are even lower in price at £1.09 for a box of 16!!

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Cheap product and just as good as the major brands

Introduction==========

I will never understand why women refrain from saying period. There are many different terms for women and that time of the month. My brother once said to me You got the painters and decorators in? which made me howl with laughter.

Well whatever we call it, most women have to deal with the mess that it brings and there are various products on the market. I have never been a fan of sanitary towels, I think the whole idea is gross, catching the blood outside of your body and leaving it there for a few hours.

I started my periods when I was 13 years old and my mum gave me sanitary towels which I did use for about two months until my sister, god love her, introduced me to tampons. I tried it and felt much better about wearing a tampon than I did a sanitary towel and I have never looked back since.

Price=====

Until recently I had always used Tampax tampons with the applicator as the idea of using my finger with the non-applicator ones makes me feel sick. While in my local Boots shop I noticed that they had their own brand of tampons with applicator and they were on offer, 3 for 2.

In the interest of saving money I purchased three packs, 12 tampons in each box at 99p per box, which worked out that I would get 36 tampons for £1.98. I bought the regular kind as I do not have heavy periods and these would be sufficient for me.

Packaging & Types===============

These are the different types you can buy according to your absorbency:

There is the choice of how many in a pack 12s or 30s. The packaging is nothing special a blue box with the corresponding colour (above) for ease to pick off the shelves.

I do not have a problem with my flow so I can stick to the regular throughout my period; I know some women do so unfortunately Boots do not offer a multi pack option. However they are on offer quite frequently so you can mix and match through the offer.

The Product==========

Once I got home I wondered whether they would be as good as Tampax so I opened a box and could have sworn these Tampax. All 12 tampons were individually wrapped in white paper with yellow running down the side (colour will vary depending on absorbency bought). There is a leaflet enclosed which provides information on the tampons, how to use, including diagrams, absorbency chart, removal of the tampons and disposal. There is also information on TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome), which has been associated with the use of tampons.

TSS is a rare condition but serious illness so please ensure that you read the information and youll know what to do if you experience symptoms. I have used tampons for 12 years and never experienced any symptoms of TSS and I do not know anyone who has but I am sure there are people out there who do.

The applicator is a white cardboard tube with the tampon located in the slightly thicker end with the round tip for easy insertion. Before inserting the tampon always check the string is dangling out the bottom of the tube. The tampon is made from cotton, viscose and rayon and the cord is stitched inside the tampon so it will not detach itself when pulled out later.

Overview========

I found that it was easy to insert just like Tampax and the tampon lasted for the same amount of time as usual. I have now been using Boots tampons for 2 months and have not found any difference.

The only difference is the price at 99p per box is really cheap and you can make it even cheaper for yourself if these are bought while on offer. I have just checked out www.boots.com and they are currently on buy one get one free, offers on the website are usually in store.

I shall continue to buy Boots tampons with applicator as they perform just as good a job as the Tampax ones plus they save me some pennies, as who really enjoys spending loads of money on this type of product?

There is also the added bonus of buying these from Boots; points can be added onto your advantage card (£1 equals 4 points. 4 points equals 4p), doesnt sound a lot but it all soon adds up. You can also use your advantage points to purchase this item and still receive any offers on them.